US experts to join investigation into Ghana’s fatal military helicopter crash

The government has invited forensic experts from the United States to support Ghana’s probe into the 6 August military helicopter crash that killed eight people, including two cabinet ministers.

The move follows a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, who has pledged to ensure a thorough and credible investigation into the tragedy, which has shocked the nation.

The Ghana Air Force Z-9 helicopter went down while on its way to launch a community mining scheme designed to tackle illegal mining, known locally as galamsey. Beyond the human cost, the crash has threatened to stall a flagship government initiative.

Foreign Affairs Minister and member of the Armed Forces Council, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed the development on Thursday, 14 August, after signing a book of condolences for the victims. He said the decision was taken at a mini-cabinet meeting convened earlier in the day.

“I can confirm to you that, on the instruction of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, we have formally requested the Americans to come in and assist. We all know that they have considerable expertise when it comes to these matters, and the indication we have received is that they are willing to help,” Mr Ablakwa told the media.

He stressed that although the Chinese manufacturers of the helicopter could decode the black box and provide a report, the government preferred to involve independent experts to guarantee public confidence. 

“It is important that this process is done in a very thorough manner, in a manner that will be at par with best practice—the international gold standard. That is what President Mahama wants us to achieve,” he said.

Mr Ablakwa added that the administration is determined to honour the late ministers—Defence Minister Edward Omane Boamah and Environment Minister Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed—by continuing the anti-galamsey campaign they championed.